New Delhi

Willie Walsh, a pilot and an aviation industry leader, on Monday took charge as the CEO of the country's largest airline IndiGo.

An Irish national, Walsh is now at the helm of IndiGo after completing his tenure as the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on July 31. The appointment of Walsh was announced by IndiGo on March 31, less than three weeks after the sudden exit of Pieter Elbers against the backdrop of massive operational disruptions at the airline in December last year.

In a release on Monday, IndiGo said Walsh has assumed charge as the CEO to lead the airline's next era of growth and global ambition.

As CEO, IndiGo said Walsh would lead the airline's overall management and strategic direction, with a focus on accelerating its global growth trajectory, driving operational excellence, strengthening network and commercial strategy, and further enhancing customer experience.

"IndiGo has built a remarkable legacy over the last two decades, establishing itself amongst the largest airlines in the world in a short span of time.

"With India becoming one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, the opportunities ahead for IndiGo are immense. There could not be a more exciting and opportune time for me to join IndiGo than now," Walsh said.

IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia said Walsh's extensive global experience in the aviation industry, combined with his operational and strategic expertise, will be instrumental as IndiGo accelerates its international expansion strategy.

Walsh has also served as the CEO of Aer Lingus, British Airways and International Airlines Group. As the head of IATA, Walsh was known for his frank and direct style of expressing his views.

He has taken over the reins at a pivotal moment for IndiGo, which commands more than 66 per cent of India's domestic market and is pursuing ambitious international expansion, with wide-body A350-900 aircraft expected to join its fleet from early 2028. IndiGo already has more than 900 planes on order.

During an interview with PTI last week, Bhatia praised Walsh and said he is "very deep operationally" and will bring significant value to the airline's operations.

"For Willie, this journey at IndiGo is not a stepping stone to something into the future," Bhatia, also IndiGo's co-founder, told PTI in an interview.

"I think he really is motivated to make a difference. And I can see that when I talk to him," Bhatia had said.

With more than 430 planes, IndiGo operates nearly 2,200 daily flights.

The airline's domestic market share rose to 66.3 per cent in June, according to latest official data.

Air India Group -- comprising Air India and Air India Express -- is the second largest player in the country's airline segment and operates around 900 weekly flights. The group's domestic market share was at 23.9 per cent in June.

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In late afternoon trade on the BSE, shares of IndiGo rose 4.38 per cent to Rs 5,397 apiece while the benchmark index Sensex was higher by nearly 1 per cent.